Faces of Mental IllnessArlene Mayes

Arlene is a Mental Health Support Worker from Winnipeg, Manitoba. She has overcome her debilitating agoraphobia and become an inspirational leader who helps others find hope and become empowered by their experiences with mental illness.

Arlene est travailleuse de soutien en santé mentale et habite à Winnipeg, au Manitoba. Elle a surmonté son agoraphobie pour devenir un leader qui inspire, qui donne de l’espoir et qui encourage les gens de se servir de leurs propres expériences afin de surmonter les défis.


I like to view having a mental illness as a blessing rather than a setback as it has only strengthened my compassion and caring for others. I am able to see a shining light throughout my journey and my wish is to help all that are struggling through their own rough times find not only their shining light but hope as well. I have organized a walk along with the Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba to help bring an end to stigma. I send blessings and well wishes to all.

With much love and respect,

Arlene L. Mayes


Arlene is one of five 2009 Faces of Mental Illness. To learn more about this year's Faces, visit our website.

Arlene est une de cinq Visages dans la campagne "La maladie mentale à visage découvert" de 2009. Pour faire connaissance avec tous les Visages de 2009, visitez notre site web

Welcome!

Welcome to the new Mental Illness Awareness Week blog!

As Chair of the MIAW Committee, and a member of the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH), I am proud to be the first to contribute to this exciting new feature of our annual campaign.

Here, you will find news and updates on the current MIAW campaign, as well as relevant news articles that expand the discussion on mental illness and mental health. You will also read guest posts from CAMIMH members and others within the mental health community, discussing a variety of topics surrounding mental illness and mental health, MIAW and the state and progress of mental health advocacy in Canada.

The MIAW blog will also provide a forum for the Faces of Mental Illness and Champions of Mental Health. Faces and Champions, past and present will share their stories and insights on the status of mental health in our country. As part of our effort to open the eyes of Canadians to mental illness, we also hope to feature the untold stories of thousands of Canadians who have struggled with mental illness and have emerged as symbols of hope in their communities.

The discussion that takes place here will reflect the message that Recovery is Possible.

Sincerely,


Kathleen A. Provost

Chair, MIAW Committee
Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health




Mental Illness Awareness Week is coordinated by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health – an alliance of mental health care providers, the mentally ill and their families. MIAW is CAMIMH’s national campaign to address the stigma faced by persons with a lived experience of mental illness and their families. It helps open the eyes of Canadians to the need for appropriate access to